Plumeria

Etymology and Names of Plumeria or katha champa

Plumeria or Frangipani is called Gulchin and Golenchi in Hindi, Kathgolop in Bengali, Champha in Marathi, Khagi-leihao-angouba in Manipuri, Nela sampangi in Tamil, Chaempae in Konkani. In Oriya we call it Katha Champa. Some of the popular names of this tree are Temple Tree or Pagoda Tree in India and the Far East, Graveyard Tree in the Caribbean Islands, Temple Flower in Sri Lanka. The Plumeria is the national tree of Laos, where it is called dok jampa. It’s no doubt the most popular flower in the tropics and almost its floral symbol.

plumeria

Its botanical name is Plumeria. Plumeria has got its generic name from Charles Plumier, a 17th Century French botanist who discovered the tree. And the other name frangipani has come from the Italian perfumer named Marquis Frangipani in the 16th century even before the plant was discovered. White Plumeria is called Plumeria Alba and Red variety is known as Plumeria Rubra (variation Plumeria Acutifolia).

Plumerias are grows up to 10 m in height. The bark is grayish green and scaly in appearance. The scaling is formed when leaves drop in winter leaving small semi-circular marks on the bark. The branches have a swollen appearance and the leaves, dark green on the top and a lighter shade of green underneath, cluster at the tips of branches. A cut made on any part of the tree will exude a milky, sticky sap that is poisonous to both humans and animals. Leaves tend to fall in early winter since they are deciduous and sensitive to cold. Plumerias have been widely hybridized and there are many cultivars presently available. Each is with its own unique flower and fragrance. There are plumeria flowers that smell like grapes, coconut, ginger, and spices. One cultivar named 'Vera Cruz Rose' has the fragrance of rose. Plumeria is an extremely durable plant in that it can be grown in colder climates, as a potted plant. Colors of the flower range from white, pink, yellow, multiple pastels to deep red. Some varieties produce smaller flowers than others. Its Flowering lasts up to three months at a time. Plumerias can tolerate a wide range of climate conditions and are one of the easiest plants to grow from a cutting.

 

Plumeria is aphrodisiac, sedative, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. Another common use of plumeria is as a fragrance for perfumes, soaps, lotions, and candles. Plumeria is widely used in aromatherapy. Plumeria oil is used to lift the spirits and soothe emotional wounds. It does not dry the skin when added to lotions or massage oils. An extract of the bark of Plumeria acutifolia was discovered to have antimutagenic properties. The leaf extract of Plumeria rubra is antibacterial while its bark extract proved cytotoxic to certain human cancers. But always consult a doctor before taking it in any form because some varieties can be extremely toxic. Drop some fresh plumeria flowers in to your bath tub and enjoy the fragrant water. It will be turned into your home spa.

red plumeria flower.

 

Plumeria Essential Oil is an exotic essential oil and an "absolute". As such, it is highly sort after, in spite of being quite an expensive essential oil. It is renowned for its aromatic qualities of soothing, relaxing, and toning. The oil is said to have a calming influence on those suffering from fear, anxiety, insomnia or tremors, according to the principles of Ayurveda. In Vietnam the Plumeria is used for its healing qualities: the bark, mashed in alcohol, prevents skin inflammation. It is also used to treat indigestion and high blood pressure, while the roots have purgative effects on animals and the milk-like sap serves as a balm for skin diseases. The white flowers are used in traditional medicine to cure high blood pressure, haemophilia, cough, dysentery and fever.

It is regarded as a sacred tree in Vietnam and every Buddhist temple in that country has them planted in their courtyards. The Plumeria is the flower of the city of Palermo in Sicily.  In Italy and Nicaragua they have given it a place in their bank notes. Plumeria flowers are held sacred in Bali, India and other tropical countries. They are used in religious ceremonies. Plumeria trees are often planted near temples and graves.

They symbolize the immortality of the soul.

N.B. 👉 All the above is solely for informational purpose and NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE ANY KIND OF MEDICAL ADVICE. A REGD. AYURVEDIC/MEDICAL PRACTITIONER SHOULD ALWAYS BE CONSULTED FOR IT.

plumeria